Page 1 of Flame and Fury

CHAPTER1

WREN

Killing a demi-god with my bare hands would be hard. Especially one as well trained as Atlas Morrison. But it’s not impossible. I might be able to get in a good nut punch before he knows what’s coming.

I glare at the man in question, betrayal bubbling up like a broken hydrant. Atlas snatched me from the middle of a riot, tossed me in the back of a car, kissed me, and then delivered me to a dank garage. My nose twitches at the spilled oil and wet cement perfume that hangs in the air.

In front of me is the leader of the Underground, a secret organization looking to take back power from the hands of capricious gods. Standing next to her is the beautiful and duplicitous son of Zeus, who lied to me, tricked me, and set my world on fire with one touch.

I’ve spent years hiding what I am. In the course of a month, everything has changed. I was sucked into the Olympus Games, made a champion of the god Ares, and put my trust in a man who didn’t deserve it.

The only light in the garage comes from a few dim overhead fixtures that keep flickering. I don’t have any trouble seeing Atlas Morrison or Katherine Nova, the Underground’s top gun. In fact, I think I’m finally seeing Atlas clearly for the first time since we’ve met.

He’s not looking so golden anymore.

I’m doing my best to pretend he doesn’t exist, for my own sanity at the very least. Instead, I focus on Katherine Nova. She’s an attractive woman. It’s obvious she has access to money despite being the leader of the Underground. Or maybe because of it? I don’t know how secret organizations work. She could get a fat paycheck every week.

Her blonde hair is cut in a bob, her long bangs swept over her forehead. Her perfectly fitted suit and crisp white shirt are sophisticated and sleek. Compared to the blood-splattered and dirty gladiator costume I wore for the parade, she’s the epitome of a respectable citizen, while I look like a fool.

Katherine, or Kat as Atlas called her, has her hands clasped in front of her. Her shoulders are loose and posture is relaxed. She smiles at me, and it’s plain to see she’s perfected how to appear non-threatening. But you don’t become the leader of the Underground because of your winning personality.

“Wren, I’m so excited to finally meet you.” Her tone is sincere, but her politeness doesn’t fool me. I haven’t been invited over for tea. Kat Nova wants something from me.

My gaze drifts over to Atlas and then back to Kat. I don’t know what either of them expected. Atlas essentially kidnapped me, and there’s no way Kat doesn’t know this. I’m sure she plotted with him to get me here, especially since she’s not at all surprised to meet me—unlike my own shocked reaction.

When I don’t respond, Kat inclines her head, but the smile stays in place. “All I ask is for the opportunity to speak with you.”

I lift my hands and raise an eyebrow. “Isn’t that what we’re doing right now?”

Her smile dims. “Of course, I was hoping we could go somewhere slightly more comfortable.” Kat gestures at the garage around us.

It’s not like I’m the one who brought us here.

I smooth my hands down the strips of leather that make up my skirt. My Fury is simmering with anger, ready to burst free and get us the fuck out of here. It's like a beast that lives inside me, except it's a part of my very soul. I speak of my Fury like it's a separate animal, but it's more that it’s the most potent, condensed part of me. One that can see a person’s sins with one glance, and has the power to mete out punishments when needed. Between abandoning the riot back at the Shrine of Olympus and then being tricked into coming here, I’m itching for a fight.

“It doesn’t appear I have a choice.” I don’t look at Atlas, but I see him cross his arms out of the corner of my eye.

Am I playing a dangerous game with my snotty comments? Sure. Atlas and, no doubt, Kat have the ultimate leverage over me. They could reveal my secret to the world because I’m certain they know what I am. I had hoped Atlas didn’t see my wings in the alley that night outside of Mad Adams, but he must have.

Over three millennia ago, the gods were cursed by the Furies, who put them into a sleep that lasted until about fifty years ago. Which is when the Furies became the most hated creature in the world. They’ve been hunted and exterminated to the point where I don’t know if there are any left besides me. My grandmother was forced to go into hiding when the gods woke. Her face was too recognizable for her to live a normal life. The gods won’t hesitate to cut me down the instant they find out about me. I’m betting on the fact that Kat doesn't want that, though. There’s a reason Atlas snuck me away from the clerics and the drones that constantly follow the champions.

They want to use me.

Atlas really knows how to make a girl feel special.

CHAPTER2

WREN

Kat’s mouth twitches as though she’s having a hard time holding back a smile. I’m glad someone’s amused.

“Yes, well.” She clears her throat and grows serious once more. “If you’ll follow me.”

Kat turns and heads toward the elevator. I expect Atlas to file in behind her, like a good little soldier, but he stays still. Of course. He has to make sure I don’t escape. I grit my teeth and make my way across the garage, the strips of my leather skirt slapping against my thighs. Our driver stays with the car. I guess he’s the lookout in case someone else manages to find their way down here.

I walk past Atlas, intent on completely ignoring him. His hand snaps out and wraps around my bicep, stopping me dead in my tracks. I keep my eyes cast forward. If I look at him, he’ll know that I let him catch me. Atlas might be a demi-god, but I’m a Fury. Avoiding his grasp is hardly a challenge.

Examining why I want him to touch me is a completely different issue.

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